p. 8 | Our Bible Reading

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Dec 20, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 50.

Our Bible Reading

Christ and the Sabbath

1. What prophecies were given seven hundred and one thousand years before Christ, concerning Christ’s attitude toward the law?

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Ps. 40:7, 8.

“The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isa. 42:21.

2. When Jesus came, what testimony did He bear to the truth of these prophecies?

“For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” John 6:38.

3. What did He say regarding His attitude toward the will of God as expressed in His law?

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matt. 5:17, 18.

4. What did He say of those who disregarded and those who taught His law?

“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:19.

5. What was His testimony respecting those who made high profession and yet disregarded the law of God?

“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:21-23.

6. What testimony did He give regarding the first day of the week?

Absolutely none. Eight times in the New Testament is the first day of the week mentioned, but in no instance is it said that the day is holy or sacred or should be observed in any other way than as a working-day. Jesus does not say that “ye are My friends if ye will observe some man-made institution;” but He does say, “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” And He asks the pertinent question, “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

7. How did the holy women who had been under His teaching for three years regard the Sabbath?

“And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment.” Luke 23:56.

8. What then may we conclude regarding Christ and His attitude toward the day?

That both by His life and by His teaching He confirmed the law of God and taught the immutability of the Sabbath. No stronger proof could possibly be given of the Sabbath itself than God’s commandment, Christ’s teaching, and Christ’s example. All are in favor of the seventh-day Sabbath. None are in favor of any rival.